Disconnect

Scott Hardie | May 21, 2008
When I got home, there was a note on my door from the apartment complex. The company that runs it now has to pay the standard cable fee to our local cable provider, whereas before, each tenant would pay separately. And they're passing on the expense to us: Each tenant now has to pay $49/month extra with their rent, for 75 channels plus HBO.

The problem is, Kelly and I don't watch TV. We don't want to pay $49/month extra for something we didn't ask for and won't use. The letter says "it is necessary" for us to pay the fee, but I'm hoping there's a way out of it, such as the cable provider will not charge the complex for apartments off the service, or, I don't know, maybe that you can't just raise our rent like that.

Anybody been through something like this and have advice?

Jim Kraus | May 21, 2008
No, but I can't imagine they can force you to have cable. I'm sure if you call them and/or the cable company they can turn the service off to your apartment and you can save money.

If they don't. Get out your lease and start going over it. Then brush up on the applicable law, or google around and see if there is an agency that deals with landlord/tenant stuff (some universities have them).

If you weren't paying for cable before, I don't see how they can force you to pay for it now.

Steve Dunn | May 22, 2008
I'd say if it's not in your lease, they can cram it.

Amy Austin | May 23, 2008
Ditto... pretty sure they can't do that mid-lease -- upon renewal, yes, but mid-lease... I don't think so.

Tony Peters | May 23, 2008
As was found out in the SoCal power crisis a couple of years ago it depends on the state and local law. Check both

Jackie Mason | May 24, 2008
[hidden by request]

Scott Hardie | June 5, 2008
The outcome of this was satisfactory. I learned that the apartment complex instigated all of this, not the cable company. The complex manager seemed a little stunned that we don't want cable TV. I didn't think it was unheard of, especially these days with all the Netflixes and YouTubes the kids like. Anyway, I just need to take in a copy of my next bill showing that we aren't using the service and they'll waive the fee. Thanks for the advice.